Clarke hanging it up after the Ashes

Australia captain Michael Clarke said Saturday he "hadn't led from the front" as he announced after yesterday's match that he would retire from international cricket after this month's fifth Ashes Test against England at The Oval.

"I will have one more Test and that is the end of my career," said Clarke during the post-match presentation ceremony.

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"I am retiring from international cricket. I don't want to jump ship now so I will have one more go at The Oval," he added.

The fifth Test starts at The Oval, in south London, on August 20.

Clarke, one of the best batsmen of his generation but plagued by a longstanding back problem, is in a desperate run of form.

"There's no doubt I'll always hold myself accountable, my performances haven't been anywhere they need to be," said Clarke.

"I don't blame anyone in the changing room, but I haven't led from the front. I started this great game at six years of age and I think it's the right time to walk away now.

"When I first came into the team I had 11 older brothers helping me get into a position where I can help the team and hopefully I've done that."

Clarke has made 28 Test centuries, one short of Donald Bradman's tally, in his 114-match career.

Clarke's Test career began in style when he made a hundred on his debut against India in Bangalore in 2004.

"When Michael made his stunning Test debut in Bangalore back in 2004, Australian cricket knew it had found a very special talent," said Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards in a statement.

“He leaves the game as one of our all-time greats...We wish Michael well for his final Test match and thank him for his outstanding service to the game."